A limit of five units would be set on a proposed townhouse development on 12th Avenue if city council goes forward with staff’s recommendation for a zoning
change.

The change would see 21 12th Ave. rezoned from its current Residential Single Detached to Residential Multiple Housing, with the restriction of a maximum of five
units.

A house and garage would be demolished to make way for the townhouses.

Melodie Simard, the city’s planning and sustainability manager, brought forward the recommendation at Monday’s council meeting, highlighting the results of a public hearing on the zoning change.

As part of that hearing, the city received a petition showing 36 signatures from residents opposed to the rezoning.

There were two other written submissions in opposition, and another two citing concerns around the proposal.

Another resident was on hand at the May 7 hearing to bring forward his concerns about potential parking issues.

Parking and road safety were a major issue for many who made submissions to the city about the rezoning. Public safety is already an issue that comes up for many who use the avenue.

Many have already expressed concerns over the high speed of traffic and the danger that places on pedestrians – particularly those walking to Jack Hulland Elementary School on Fir Street, just off 12th.

As Simard noted in her report on the public hearing: “The submissions stated that the proposed development is adjacent to a crosswalk that is used by children travelling to and from schools.

“The submissions expressed concerns that 12th Avenue is already dangerous for pedestrians and that multiple housing and an increase in on-street parking will make the situation more dangerous,” Simard’s report says.

“The submissions recommended several measures for the crosswalk, including flashing lights, a no-parking zone along with 12th Avenue in the immediate vicinity of the crosswalk, and lower speed limits for 12th Avenue.”

The city intends to take action on the parking situation, with plans to place no-parking signs along both sides of 12th Avenue later this year.

Residents, however, may have to wait until after two studies are done before any further steps are taken to address other safety concerns.

Simard pointed to the neighbourhood collector road master plans – which has $50,000 designated for this year along with $50,000 identified for each 2019 and 2020 in the city’s four-year plan – and the city’s and Yukon government’s school mobility review planned for this year.

“Both studies will examine 12th Avenue from a safety (perspective), and may recommend improvements such as the ones suggested by residents,” it was noted.

Public hearing submissions also brought up issues with multiple family developments, with many arguing against increased density.

“The submissions valued the low density and large lot size character of Porter Creek and recommended that the existing RS-Residential Single Detached zoning for
Porter Creek be maintained,” Simard said.

“The submissions expressed concerns with increasing building heights up to 15 metres, which is the maximum height in the RM-Residential Multiple Housing zone.”

By comparison, the maximum height in the current zone is 10 metres.

One submission argued there could be more noise, traffic, issues with pets, and more pressure put on the city’s water and sewer system that could come from multi-
housing developments.

“The proposed development is not anticipated to place as increased strain on municipal water and sewer infrastructure,” Simard said.

“The proposed development could cause an increase in local traffic, noise and pet ownership due to an increase in the number of residents,” she added.

“However, the increase is not anticipated to be significant since up to four units could be built on the subject area already (e.g. a subdivided lot with two duplexes).
The amendment would result in a 20 per cent increase in density from four to five units.”

Simard, however, pointed to the Official Community Plan, which calls for increasing the density of existing neighbourhoods.

At the same time, in recognition of residents’ concerns, the limit of a maximum of five units was put forward with the zoning change.

That prompted council members to wonder how many multi-family residences have been built in the area.

City staff will bring back to council details on the multi-residential developments in the area before members are asked to vote on the matter.

“Like every single region or part of our city, we’re looking at densification,” Mayor Dan Curtis said. “Not just in the downtown core, and I don’t think that it’s a huge,
huge increase.”

Coun. Dan Boyd, however, argued that permitting this development could “open the door” for more such developments after the city has heard significant opposition
to it.

“Not one person came forward in support of this,” he said.

“We have basically 38 people, which is a fair number on these zoning applications, come forward with either concerns or opposed, so I find it a little bit concerning.”

Delegate Cam Kos also came forward later in the meeting. He noted it could be possible for the property owner to subdivide the lot and build more units in a way
Kos argued would keep the character of the neighbourhood intact.

Second and third readings of the rezoning will come forward next Tuesday evening.

Herb Grolewegen on May 17, 2018 at 5:38 pm

Politico on May 17, 2018 at 5:18 pm

Jayne W on May 16, 2018 at 2:06 pm

I think my comment is being misinterpreted. My point is why (but thankful and should be recognized ) are they counting the 36 names on a petition as feedback for this zoning change BUT, did not count the 160 names as feedback for the zoning changes for protected green space to CR back in the fall. I honestly think that his Worship along with the planning dept., decide what is going to happen no matter how many people disagree or need more information to make a choice. I think COW Council should wait till after the election before they make any other housing decisions and zoning changes.

Sillig on May 16, 2018 at 12:21 pm

Honestly the incompetence or refusal of City and YG land agencies to open land for disposal to folks to build a house is astounding.
All this senseless, unnecessary polarization of folks who have land being asked to accept more residences in proximity to them when there are tracts of land within and just outside the City boundaries that could be opened up just as present areas have been in the past for residential development.
I'm terrified to suggest there be an inquiry into why Council and Government haven't gotten that done by now and fear I may be old and grey before that would be complete. So would the greasy individuals who are responsible for it (realtors, land speculators, politicians, Councilors).
Really all that is standing in the way is will, oh and I know a few nimby's who will have concerns about their well water health or wildlife viewing or dog walking trails.
What they have to remember is folks did things where they live now at one time, and can't do those things anymore, because of them.
Open some goddam land!

My Opinion on May 15, 2018 at 10:28 pm

All these new people coming to town for a short period of time and want to cash in on the windfall of a large lot. Yukoners have lived on these lots for over forty years and raised their families on spacious lots where they do not have to live out of their rented storage locker as they have no room for their stuff. My GOD what is happening up here. Please wait until we are able to have an election.

Jayne W on May 15, 2018 at 2:45 pm

Why is council even counting the petition as a sign of a yes or no. As I recall Mike Ellis said that an individually conducted petition is not something they will consider. He said this for the infill incentive last fall, so why did they not count the 160 names apposed to rezoning/ infill then, but counting the 36 names for this townhouse plan. I can't wait to see how this one plays out.

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